[TamilNet, Monday, 04 April 2011, 16:39 GMT]Sinhala hoodlum including some Muslims were on the rampage in the several parts of the upcountry attacking Up-Country Tamils of Tamil Nadu origin following the defeat of the Sri Lanka to India in the World Cup final that was held in Mumbai in India last Saturday. The unruly mob had entered line rooms of upcountry Tamil families and damaged the household properties and causing cut injuries to three Tamil youths, according to Mr.Arumugan Thondaman, leader of the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC), a constituent of the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) led by Mahinda Rajapaksa. About 25 upcountry Tamil youths had been admitted in Dikkoya hospital with cut injuries caused by sharp weapons.

Arumugan Thondaman said that gangs of unidentified persons had unleashed violence to create unrest and communal disharmony in upcountry areas using the Sri Lanka defeat in World Cup final.

If the law enforcement authority fails to arrest the suspects involved in the attack, the entire workforce in estates would launch a demonstration and shut down, Mr. Thondaman said.

Meanwhile the Sri Lankan police media spokesman said that five suspects were arrested. In another report it was stated ten suspects had been taken into custody. The Hatton Magistrate had ordered remand till April 15, according to SL Police.

However Mr.Muththu Sivalingam, CWC President and a Deputy Minister in the UPFA government said he had submitted a list of 29 names alleged to be involved in the attack against upcountry Tamil families to the Sri Lankan police. If the police fail to take prompt action, entire upcountry workforce would commence a protest within Hatton town from April 5, he said.

The Hatton Police said an additional police contingent has been stationed in Hatton for security reason and to ensure law and order.